Tampa Tribune Talks Sense on Food Advertising

While some newspapers would like you to take any public-health scold with an M.D. at his word, a recent Tampa Tribuneeditorial on the federal Interagency Working Group advertising standards is far more sensible. Calling the push for new guidelines “a devastating statement about Washington's overreach,” the Tribune editors note correctly that “marketing can't make parents buy the products.” Tell that to the scolds who want to take toys out of Happy Meals.

After all, as far back as the 1950’s kids’ shows like Howdy Doody and Mr. Bluster were promoting Twinkies, candy bars, and Tootsie Roll Pops, yet kids weren’t battling the bulge. Could it be that it’s not cartoon characters that are causing obesity, but rather the increase in sedentary lifestyles among a video-game generation?

The Tribune aptly notes:

It reflects a bureaucracy with no faith in personal responsibility. If they get rid of Snap, Crackle and Pop, would they next target the AFLAC duck and the GEICO gecko? Such a possibility is best nipped in the bud.